The NHS has fast-tracked a deal for a life-extending drug for prostate cancer.
The deal means 9,000 patients with the most advanced forms of prostate cancer will be eligible for the treatment.
The NHS in England will be the first health service in Europe to roll out Darolutamide to those whose prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Studies have shown that the chances of living longer are increased by one third in those who use the drug, compared to those who are untreated.
The drug is already available on the NHS for some with localised prostate cancer, but the offer is now to be expanded to those whose cancer has spread.
Darolutamide, also known by its brand name, Nubeqa®, works by blocking androgen receptors in cancer cells, which then block the effect of testosterone that allows cancer cells to survive and multiply.
Darolutamide is usually taken as a tablet with food and in combination with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel chemotherapy.
NHS executive Amanda Pritchard said: “It is fantastic that patients in England will be the first in Europe to receive this treatment for a really advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer thanks to the NHS fast tracking a new drug deal.
“The NHS is continuing to lead the way in securing the best possible treatments for patients – this is the latest in a long list of cutting-edge drugs that we have secured to help people to live longer with cancer, making a huge, life-changing difference to patients and their families across the country”.
NHS National Director for Cancer Professor Peter Johnson said: “We know that prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men and it is vital the NHS continues to diagnose patients as early as possible and expand our arsenal of cutting-edge treatments in order to increase the chances of people surviving.
“This innovative treatment builds on the NHS ambition to improve cancer care and survival rates and will help thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer to live a better quality life, decreasing their chance of dying by one-third”.
